During the week of Art Basel Miami Beach 2011, Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami presents the premiere of Pop-Up Pianos Miami 2011 (PUPM), a public art project made possible by The Black Key Group and a host committee of young, local professionals. The concept of Pop-Up Pianos is inspired by the New York City organization Sing for Hope. Sing for Hope mobilizes professional artists in volunteer programs that benefit schools, hospitals and communities. Sing for Hope’s Pop-Up Pianoscelebrate the vision of arts accessibility for all. The inspirational project motivated the Co-Founders of The Black Key Group, Whitney Lykins and Isabella Acker, to bring Pop-Up Piano to Miami with the support of Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami.
Steinway Piano Gallery of Miami is a factory-owned retail location for Steinway & Sons, maker of the world’s finest pianos. They have donated ten pianos to be strategically placed throughout locations in Midtown Miami, Downtown, Wynwood District, Brickell, and Miami Beach.
Ten artists have been carefully selected to customize each of the pianos based on their particular style of art, ranging from graffiti and acrylic paints to 3D sculptures. The Black Key Group and host committee have taken great strides to include a mix of prominent and local artists, all of whom reflect some aspect of Miami culture including Lebo; Miguel Paredes; Trek Six; Alex Yanes and Krave; Rodrigo Echeverri; GG; Arnaud Pages; Alouishous San Gomma; Kazilla; Lorie Setton; and Brian Butler.
While there will be important announcements of specific concert dates and times where musicians will perform, Art Basel week spectators will have the chance to tickle the ivories in between performances. In addition to the local talent, various nationally acclaimed artists’ “Pop-Up” performances will also be announced via social media outlets throughout the duration of the installation.
After Art Basel week, the pianos will be donated to Miami-Dade Public Schools with arts programs, local charities, organizations and/or music venues, enriching the cultural and arts community of South Florida.
PUPM will host a launch event and closing party. The closing party is open-to-the-public. The launch event will be hosted at The Opium Group’s Louis Bar-Lounge at Gansevoort South in Miami Beach on Thursday, December 1st. Jacob Jeffries Band will play along with a surprise guest performance. The closing party will be held at the acclaimed Ideobox Artspace in the Wynwood District on Saturday, December 3rd where piano donations will be announced including a special LIVE performance. Lastly, Ideobox Artspace will also be hosting am Art Basel recovery party the following Saturday, December 10th during Wynwood’s Second Saturday Art Walk where all ten pianos will be on display.
Stay tuned for musician announcements and event details as well as the specific locations where the pianos will be placed. For more information, visit www.PopUpPianoMia.com. To keep track of piano locations, artists, and musicians, please follow Pop-Up Piano Miami on Twitter, Facebook, and Foursquare (during Art Basel week).